crawlDisney: The Friendship Pub Crawl

Previously on crawlDisney we looked at Drinking Around the World at Epcot, where in just a short walk it’s possible to try beers from thirteen different countries. Today’s edition of Beer Tours is just a short walk away from World Showcase. Just outside Epcot’s International Gateway are five resorts lining the shores of Crescent Lake. Inside these resorts are several locations to enjoy good beer. The easiest transport for this tour is a Friendship that travels between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, although it may not be the fastest. Here we go on a Friendship pub crawl!

Let’s start at Epcot’s International Gateway and assume you haven’t been drinking around the world but are looking for a cold one. Hop onto a Friendship and take the relaxing boat ride or walk on down to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

Closest to Epcot at the Boardwalk is the ESPN Club. Despite its association with sports and conjuring thoughts of flavorless mass-produced lagers, the ESPN Club actually has a pretty good beer selection. A Terrapin Hopsecutioner might be a good choice to go with some spicy wings and lots of sports on television.

These ranged from light to dark, from not hoppy to Peter Rabbit hops and from BLAHHHHHH to “get in my lil’ tummy”!

Something important to note is that Big River does not take any reservations. None. Also, they won’t give you a wait time over the phone. If you’re headed over just to sit at the bar, this might not be a problem. If you’re looking for a meal, it’s a toss of the dice as far as how long you’ll wait.

At this point you’ve probably hung around the Boardwalk enough (if not, head over to the Belle Vue Lounge), so hop back on a Friendship and stop at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.

We did a Crescent Lake pub crawl for my birthday last year. I have a holiday birthday so the Christmas decorations were up making it quite festive. This is a fun alternative to drinking around the World for people who don’t have Disney Passes.